Is my torque converter going out?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 2
From: Houston Texas
Is my torque converter going out?
I noticed that when I really push it when shifting to 3rd at high rpms the car takes few seconds to shift and the rpms increase kinda like slipping...
I also notice after few runs like that some smoke coming from the engine bay under the fire wall-I assume that the TQ Conv. is located in front and not by transmission....what you guys think?
Under normal driving it's not happening
I also notice after few runs like that some smoke coming from the engine bay under the fire wall-I assume that the TQ Conv. is located in front and not by transmission....what you guys think?
Under normal driving it's not happening
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Is your tranny fluid full? Sounds like you may have a leak.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
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Any codes? What are the tranny temps running? How many miles? How much RWHP? The pause could be early indication of tranny needing a refresh? Could be fluid level. I would drop the pan and change the filter and check for debris and quality of the fluid. If all that checks out get the PCM tuned and step up the shift firmness/line pressure. With severe service these A4's will need to be refreshed at 50K miles. Some just keep on going but usually that is regular service without mods, burn outs, manual shifting.. If a nun drives it, it will go 120k.. Best of luck. A4 
rebuild is not a bad mod.. There are many upgrades to be made that can make it a bullet proof part of your drive train
rebuild is not a bad mod.. There are many upgrades to be made that can make it a bullet proof part of your drive train
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 596
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From: Houston Texas
thanks for the replies guys-it's a 2000 with 101000 on the clock.I had a trans service done at 80000.Will check for fluid level tomorrow I have Diablo tuning with increase shifting pressure...
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 504
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Refresh time 
imho the tuner and the miles seals the deal. You might have a local vette tech/tuner that can freshen it up for not alot of cash. Upgrade the pumps clutches lots of fun and a great trans for $1000. Best of Luck
imho the tuner and the miles seals the deal. You might have a local vette tech/tuner that can freshen it up for not alot of cash. Upgrade the pumps clutches lots of fun and a great trans for $1000. Best of Luck
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 115
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From: Metro Detroit
I fear aleadfoot is right, your problem sounds like the clutches are about to give up.
I had the same problem in my 2000 at around 80000mls.
You'll be able to drive for a while (> 1000mls) if you don't stress the trans with WOT runs. Otherwise it won't take long to burn through the clutches. You will probably soon hit the rev limiter on the 2-3 WOT shift.
As said its time a rebuild, the torque converter has nothing to do with it, but it might be a good time then to change it out also or to install an aftermarket TC.
I had the same problem in my 2000 at around 80000mls.
You'll be able to drive for a while (> 1000mls) if you don't stress the trans with WOT runs. Otherwise it won't take long to burn through the clutches. You will probably soon hit the rev limiter on the 2-3 WOT shift.
As said its time a rebuild, the torque converter has nothing to do with it, but it might be a good time then to change it out also or to install an aftermarket TC.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 2
From: Houston Texas
I fear aleadfoot is right, your problem sounds like the clutches are about to give up.
I had the same problem in my 2000 at around 80000mls.
You'll be able to drive for a while (> 1000mls) if you don't stress the trans with WOT runs. Otherwise it won't take long to burn through the clutches. You will probably soon hit the rev limiter on the 2-3 WOT shift.
As said its time a rebuild, the torque converter has nothing to do with it, but it might be a good time then to change it out also or to install an aftermarket TC.
I had the same problem in my 2000 at around 80000mls.
You'll be able to drive for a while (> 1000mls) if you don't stress the trans with WOT runs. Otherwise it won't take long to burn through the clutches. You will probably soon hit the rev limiter on the 2-3 WOT shift.
As said its time a rebuild, the torque converter has nothing to do with it, but it might be a good time then to change it out also or to install an aftermarket TC.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Newport Oregon
You really should beef the Hell out of it while you're at it. I rebuilt mine but only because I have a friend with a tranny shop and only had to pay for the parts. But we put all the good stuff in it. If you don't have something like that, or are doing it yourself, I'd give RPM a call and go stage 4 or 5. They build a damn good tranny.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 504
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The after market transmissions are excellent but they cost alot and then there is shipping and do you really need all that? You can get your A4 rebuilt locally with all the goodies and installed for $1000. Remove and replace alone is $600 in labor. This isnt a space ship vette techs rebuild them all the time. Tuners do em. Local transmission shop? drop in a talk to them maybe someone will do it on the side. Get a list of the hot components and you are back in business. I got a tuner built A4 in mine built for a 9 second drag car, I snagged it for $1000 it is fantastic. Best of Luck
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 2
From: Houston Texas
The after market transmissions are excellent but they cost alot and then there is shipping and do you really need all that? You can get your A4 rebuilt locally with all the goodies and installed for $1000. Remove and replace alone is $600 in labor. This isnt a space ship vette techs rebuild them all the time. Tuners do em. Local transmission shop? drop in a talk to them maybe someone will do it on the side. Get a list of the hot components and you are back in business. I got a tuner built A4 in mine built for a 9 second drag car, I snagged it for $1000 it is fantastic. Best of Luck
thanks
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,401
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From: Retired but working
Cruise-In VI Veteran
I was having different shift speeds with mine a year or so ago and there was a post on the forum discussing different shift points while the tranny was cold. It wasn't slipping just a few hundred RPMs difference from when the tranny was hot. Once it warmed up shift RPMs went back to normal. Anyone else noticing this?
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 600
Likes: 11
From: Wilmington NC
I fear aleadfoot is right, your problem sounds like the clutches are about to give up.
I had the same problem in my 2000 at around 80000mls.
You'll be able to drive for a while (> 1000mls) if you don't stress the trans with WOT runs. Otherwise it won't take long to burn through the clutches. You will probably soon hit the rev limiter on the 2-3 WOT shift.
As said its time a rebuild, the torque converter has nothing to do with it, but it might be a good time then to change it out also or to install an aftermarket TC.
I had the same problem in my 2000 at around 80000mls.
You'll be able to drive for a while (> 1000mls) if you don't stress the trans with WOT runs. Otherwise it won't take long to burn through the clutches. You will probably soon hit the rev limiter on the 2-3 WOT shift.
As said its time a rebuild, the torque converter has nothing to do with it, but it might be a good time then to change it out also or to install an aftermarket TC.
I noticed that my trans was slipping. I got about another 1,000 miles out of it and now all I have left is 1st gear and about 25% of 2nd. Calling RPM tomorrow for a level IV. If you car is a DD....replace it now!!!!!!!!!!! BTW, I have 99,400 miles of spirited driving on my C5.